Drought lessens in Okla. after record rainfall

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — Recent rainfalls have eased drought conditions throughout much of Oklahoma.

Associated Press

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — Recent rainfalls have eased drought conditions throughout much of Oklahoma.

The latest U.S. Drought Monitor numbers released Thursday show that nearly 53 percent of the state is experiencing abnormally dry or drought conditions. Last week, that number was 75 percent.

The National Weather Service says parts of Oklahoma experienced record rainfall in the past week. Oklahoma City set a new daily record after receiving 3.53 inches of rain for July 26. Lawton recorded 5.58 inches of rain during a 24-hour period from July 25 to July 26, while a Mesonet site in Walters recorded 3.36 inches of rain in one hour.

The U.S. Drought Monitor says western Oklahoma and the Panhandle are still experiencing extreme drought.

No drought conditions were reported in 47 percent of the state, including central Oklahoma.